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KADIWA EXPO RETURNS TO INTRAMUROS FROM NOV. 28-30

The government’s flagship affordable-food program is gearing up for a major showcase as the Department of Agriculture (DA) stages the Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Expo 2025 on November 28–30 in Intramuros, where P20 rice is set to take center stage. Organized with national partner agencies and Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs), the expo marks the […]

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Government

TIU LAUREL BATS FOR HYDROPOWER IN AGRI SECTOR

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. urged closer integration between the country’s hydropower and agriculture strategies, saying water-based energy projects can simultaneously advance food security, rural development, and the Philippines’ long-term renewable energy goals. Speaking at the 3rd Philippine Hydro Summit & Exhibition in Manila, Tiu Laurel said the country cannot meet its clean-energy ambitions—35 […]

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Government

DA STARTS RESCUE OF UWAN-HIT ABACA FARMS IN BICOL

The Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), has joined forces with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to fast-track the rehabilitation of Bicol’s abaca industry after Super Typhoon Uwan left the region’s signature crop in ruins. Uwan’s onslaught devastated what has long been Bicol’s second agricultural lifeline after coconut. […]

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Politics

PANGILINAN DEFENDS P184B AGRI DEPARTMENT BUDGET

Senator Kiko Pangilinan defended and sponsored the P184.09-billion proposed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies, hurdling through questions raised by his colleagues on the agency’s various programs meant to uplift the lives of farmers and fisherfolk. In his opening statement, the chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and […]

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Government

DA TO ROLL OUT ‘BENTENG BIGAS’ IN CLARK

Thousands of workers in Central Luzon’s premier economic zone are set to enjoy rice priced at ₱20 per kilo, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship food security initiative. The Department of Agriculture (DA) and Clark Development Corporation (CDC) are rolling out the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program on December 1, bringing affordable rice and other […]

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Government

DA: PH FORGES STRONG AGRI-FOOD TIES WITH INDIA

The Philippines joined global leaders and innovators at World Food India 2025, taking a significant step in strengthening its agri-food ties and expanding market opportunities. The event, inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, and Indian Union Ministers Chirag Paswan, Prataprao Jadhav, and Ravneet Singh, […]

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Government

DA ROLLS OUT ‘BENTENG BIGAS’ PROGRAM IN SULU

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship food program Benteng Bigas, Meron Na! to this southern island province, bringing the promise of affordable rice and stronger market support for local farmers. During ceremonies in Sulu’s capital, Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan led the launch of the P20 per kilo rice project, […]

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Government

PH DINORADO BAGS SILVER IN WORLD’S BEST RICE AWARD

The Philippines’ own aromatic NSIC Rc218, fondly called Mabango and sold locally as Dinorado, has clinched silver at this year’s World’s Best Rice Award in Phnom Penh. Out of 30 entries from rice powerhouses like Thailand, India, and Australia, Mabango outshone 27, proving it has both the substance and the scent to stand among the […]

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Government

DA ALLOTS P251M COMPENSATION FOR TINO-HIT FARMERS

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) earmarked P251 million to compensate insured farmers for losses caused by Typhoon Tino. In a report to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., PCIC President Jovy Bernabe said the agency’s rapid assessment conducted from November 4 to 7 covered insured farms in nine regions—from Region IV-A and IV-B through […]

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Government

DA: NFA TO BENCHMARK PALAY FLOOR PRICE 

The government’s move to impose a floor price for rice purchases by state agencies is expected to set a strong benchmark that will raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen the National Food Authority’s (NFA) role in ensuring fair grain prices, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. “The floor price is an integral part of the […]